Immigrant heritage in the German villages, memories of the railway and a walk Strobel Diamante, door to the National Park preserving ecosystems levee, the lake and bathed landscapes that characterize this stretch of coastline. Ideal for the purposes of entrerrianos week matte and nature walk.

Between Paraná and Victoria, the RP 11 is the thread that links the German villages in the province of Entre Rios. They are the people who founded the mid-nineteenth century communities "Volga Germans" in the new country that opened them the doors after being forced from Czarist Russia.

The first five were founded in 1878; Valle were Marienthal or Mary; Protestant; Marienfeld or Spatzenkutter; San Francisco; Santa Cruz. Later it would be the turn of Brazilian village where settlers who had initially been settled in Brazil.
The German villages are now a circuit itself, which travels to meet a string of villages where architectural remains of those people are and, above all, a strong gastronomic seal. As in Corner Munich, a classic Brazilian village, where you have the "restaurant version" of the dishes that many families still eat home indoors with stews and Central Filsen to the head.

Every year on December 8 December, delegations leaving Brazilian village, Valle Maria and Spatzenkutter leave in procession by the Place de la Virgen, on the banks of the Parana, to a cave near the canyon. On the way there are several hostels where you can take a break, or even navigate part of the way. For closer or farther away from the coast, the river is the presence that always unites the most diverse corners of the province. STROBEL RIDE.
Less than ten kilometers of Aldea Protestant, Strobel is the last stop before Diamante, which in turn is the gateway to Predelta National Park. They can be explored on foot, along a path that runs parallel aa railway line, between silos and trees that lead to a little park railway consists of a locomotive and some wagons.

Walking the Paseo de la Ribera Diamond, near which the creation of a Ramsar international convention -the protects wetlands-can also join the trek of the islands that allow, when in season, watch the flowers is projected site I irupé identifying the National Park.
The walk Diamante also worth spending some time at the Museum of Dr. Liotta, born in the city and known for creating the artificial heart. In the halls you can see from their creations in the field of medicine to the prizes and gifts he received during his career: the most outstanding milestone was the first use of a total artificial heart during a heart transplant in April 1969 the Texas Heart Institute in Houston.

Leaving behind Diamond to continue the coastal walk, the neighborhood of fishermen is distinctive for its statue of Christ Pescador, striking 12 meters high and 14 tons. It was installed at the initiative of a sister of the Servants of the Holy Spirit, closely linked with the Volga Germans here. Those who have seen the Malvinas Monument in Quequén, or the Monument to the Sower in Villa Elisa, as well as Bicentennial Monument in Neuquen, probably recognize the hand of the sculptor Andrés Mirwald in the course of the work. Here and there, still they appear Palanqueros fishermen with their fishing cargo in tow, as traditionally as ever.

Typical hummocks formed by building up vegetation on the trees.

PUNTA GORDA AND ROOF.
The trip continues in Punta Gorda, the place where Urquiza crossed the Parana which in this sector is more angosto- to go towards the battle of Caseros. With crossed cannons and thousands of soldiers, at the beginning of a journey that would take one month to the province of Buenos Aires. It was carried horses as "scourge", a form that allowed them arrear many animals at once, with a gaucho that egged and another that ran from inside the pack. So today the place is known as the roof. Here are also old vessels, such as ships used cages used to transport animals, and old fishing boats anchored in the past.

go a coastline rich in vines and trees like timbó and dragon's blood, two species very characteristic of the place. It is a world of pure nature, where traces of capybaras, birdsong and flavors that speak of herbs and pure vegetation where they mix from ombúes carnations air to guess. You can walk along a path that passes from the levee to the woods and then towards the end canyon.

You get -now herself at the end and main point of the trip: the Predelta National Park, symbolized by a kingfisher, a bird long beak that is usually seen frequently waiting patiently for their prey on the branches near the shore.
The park has a clear goal: the preservation of the ecosystem of the levee (ie the highest point) of the lagoon, and bathed (the lower and more flood-prone area of ​​the set). It is the habitat of water cockerels, cuervillos, otters, nutria and many birds that attract photographers and birdwatchers. The road -cuentan rangers guarding these litoraleños- everyday landscapes slowly into streams and brooks, which are like the streets of Delta opens. Streets where it is easier to navigate than walking, and that still remain traditional lifestyles well inside. It is indeed the only place left to know the true Delta as it was, and further south the environment is greatly modified by human intervention and agriculture.

National Park, which covers part of the Parana river and islands Del Ceibo, sleeves and Del Barro, is also revealing of the times: with increasing frequency appear like the Pope-maned species that are very forested, more north, but using the river as a corridor: and also pushed by the notorious climate change were down and today the sights in the province of Entre Rios.

The protected area is also home to the Carau, the only American crane, and armadillos, cardenillas, thrushes and woodpeckers Chaco, among other species. With watchful eyes will not soon discover traces of the passage of several animals more: a flattened pajonal simple can be a symbol of a nearby capybara that was lying around here, watching the embalsados ​​of camalotes run slowly through the water. There are also otters, otters, alligators, speckled lizards, turtles, ducks, screamers ... it is a whole world that lives mostly half-hidden among the tall grass, but less attentive to the passage of a strange visitor.

Somehow it is a mutual exercise, which threatens wildlife spy to take care of the newcomer, and the curious humans of this world quite rightly flees them. But the Predelta National Park is just ideal for a meeting point between the two place.

The access road to Predelta National Park.

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According to the stories told by descendants of "natural land" and to this day, the Piltriquitron, is considered a "reservoir of positive energy , " curator. Generally, their modern visitors report that, after a walk down its slopes, and even more if they reach the summit, experience a "renovator desire to live" and feel they have "rested the spirit".

The Piltriquitron, in native tongue: "Hung clouds".
The scenery is bush in every corner, on the surrounding slopes there are forests of cypress and cohiues with black thorns forming a thick mass of trees tinged with different shades of green that in autumn turn into a wide range of ochres and oranges.

The Cerro has an exceptional panoramic point over 1200 meters. From here you can perfectly see the valley of El Bolson and the Cordillera (where you can see the Andes with its most important peaks such as Mount Tronador, the three Peaks, and the beautiful valley of the Rio Azul, and the degree of visibility that allows the atmosphere, the Osorno volcano in Chilean territory). You can travel by car along a road that is winding the side of this imposing and mysterious mass of rock.

To get here, you take the RN 258 south and then rises through a narrow mountain road; Street continues to find the platform Piltriquitrón, once there, walking through a natural forest.

Along the way are the main complex of cottages, craft workshops, nurseries, teahouses and who organize a parade. At 1,200 meters. this platform start paragliding. At the end of the walk you reach the refuge of the Andean Club Piltriquitrón.

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Located in the southwestern corner of the province of Rio Black, it integrates with the northwest of the province of Chubut called "Andean Region of Parallel 42".
Declared ecological municipality and non - nuclear area, its special microclimate is suitable for cultivation of fine fruits (strawberries, raspberries, cherries and cherries among others) and hops lends its name to the National Party that takes place in the month of February.

El Bolson is immersed in a landscape of forests, valleys, hills and unique beauty.

A place of peace, in which his His spring is warm summer floral and invites the practice of adventure tourism activities such as horseback riding, trekking, rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, climbing, and walks through its typical pastoral farms. Autumn is a wonderful polychrome ochres, reds and yellows.

Tourist all year, in winter the snowy landscape is complemented by skiing at Cerro Perito Moreno. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday runs the Regional Fair artisans and producers, one of the most important in South America. There are crafts in wood, clay, metals, stones and flowers carved by artisans cordilleranos, breweries, musicians and other producers of international recognition.

The economic profile of El Bolson and its area of influence has two distinct areas:
One agroforestry, mainly the production of hops (about 200,000 kilos per year) and fruits tubs and farm and garden products and timber use of forests, both native and implanted.

Another resource of El Bolson is the service sector, which include tourism, rapidly expanding. In El Bolson, a variety of other activities influencing economic support, such as making selective food products (fine fruits, candies, smoked meats, cheeses, liqueurs, ice cream beers and others, all of excellent quality. We must also counting the numerous artisans, mostly grouped in the Regional Fair as well as mushroom pickers, musk, ferns, etc. mainly add resources to the most vulnerable sectors of society in El Bolson.

Last but not least, the construction sector is marking a favorable economic growth in El Bolson, since a high demand for new housing is recorded. As an example suffices to note that at certain times, it is very difficult to get houses for rent. If you liked this article, subscribe to the feed by clicking the image below to keep informed about new contents of the blog:

Review refuge located in one of the most beautiful spots in the region: how to access, for rides from the shelter, recommendations.

SHELTER ICE BLUE.
This refuge belongs to the Club Andino Piltriquitrón, was conducted in 1958, with wood that HACHO the surrounding forest. It should be noted that the original cottage was made entirely ax, roof shingles cypress.

The height at which it is located is 1300 meters above sea level, the limit of the high forest. From that point they begin the squat Lengas and stonemasons.

The first refugiero Ice Blue was Ramiro Uriarte, who was in charge of the care of the place for 11 years, from 1989 to 2000. During this period the original shelter was improved by the refugiero, who installed a wood stove, made ​​a mezzanine for people to sleep, did latrine and several parts to improve service.

In 2000 he changed the granting of refuge who are in charge now are Lucas and Lucia Angelino Saquero. Since the beginning of the concession was significantly modified construction. avalanches, landslides, etc ... used naturally fallen trees, wind, wood to make the parts of the facility.

Currently the shelter has running water, hot showers and baths from spring to late fall. During the winter the amenities are restricted due to the harsh climate.

It also has 12 volt DC electricity which is generated by a hydraulic turbine and a micro photovoltaic solar panel clean, energy refugieros installed by current. This energy is used to power a VHF communications system, some lighting and background music.

The waste generated by the shelter are recycled, composted organic matter, separating cans, glass, plastic, for subsequent transfer to people or incineration in place.

Overnight service includes use of the kitchen, which is fully equipped with dishes, hot shower and the bedroom features mattresses, but it is always essential to wear insulation for any eventuality.
The bedroom is a common area for all visitors, there are about thirty mattresses, but as this is a mountain hut and no one is left out sometimes when busy in summer, during January generally, mattresses are shared and the ground floor is enabled with insulated so no one has to sleep under the uncertain ceiling of stars.

Hot meals are served homemade bread and homemade beer there, all this is done at the shelter. It has not proveeduría due to the difficulty to transport load.

Things to pack up and riding.
It is also possible to camp in the area surrounding the shelter, camping is payment, and has a barbecue area for communal use where you can use the stove, table and protected from the rain.

On the grounds of the campsite there is a stove, firewood should join the campers and camping does not include hot shower, but bathrooms are the same for refugees and campers.

To help preserve this area, both refugees and campers should lower the inorganic waste (plastics, cans, glass, etc ...) that produce during your stay.

The shelter is staffed by refugieros from spring to late fall, outside this period, inquire at the office of the Andean Club Piltriquitrón and / or municipal tourist office. WALKS AND CIRCUITS THAT CAN BE MADE FROM THE SHELTER.ROAD TO THE GLACIER.
This walk takes about three to four hours round trip, no need to carry the backpack because it leaves the shelter and goes and returns along the same path.

The glacier is not seen from the shelter, it is to the west, and can clearly see the step that must be traversed to reach the lagoon surrounding it.

The base of Ice Blue, as it is called the glacier is 1700 meters above sea level.

The road is very different than the one used to climb to the refuge, shelter from the high forest is completed and passes on swivels, making the most difficult hike. The whole journey is very marked with red and yellow paint on stones and orange and yellow pennants in the last 500 meters.

The level of this hike is difficult to very difficult, depending on the experience of the traveler.

Before performing this ascent is recommended to go through the shelter and ask for information to refugieros.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Do not approach the front walls of the glacier.
• Do not walk on the glacier without ice equipment.
• In early summer the lake is often covered with snow and ice, not climb up it, because its resistance decreases each day.
• Up and down the marked path.
• Do not climb on the walls, if this climb is that the path is wrong, return to the paint mark closer and get back on track. CIRCUIT TO BLUE DRAWER.
This circuit allows to join shelters Ice Blue, Lake Swimming, Cajon del Azul, and other more distant without returning to the town of El Bolson.

The trail is marked in the same way as that used to reach the refuge Ice Blue. With red and yellow badges and red marks painted on trees.

To start the circuit must go back ten minutes down the road we arrived at the shelter until a sign that says "Swimming Lake" and an arrow pointing to the left. Once you reach the Teno river and crosses it by a fallen tree that serves as the bridge. This has a red rope railing.

Then begins a steep climb that takes about 45 minutes. At the top of the hill is a lagoon that borders on the left and then the trail bends to the west (left). At 5 minutes you reach the turnoff where you get two new trails, the right arrow indicating Wharton Wharton down to the farm, to return to the people directly, and left the other path is the continuation of that you. travels, goes to the refuge Lake Swimming.

Within 10 minutes you reach the shelter of swimming.

To continue to Refugio del Cajon del Azul should skirting Lake Swimming by his right, always following the red and yellow markings. a series of forest surrounded by intersect Pampitas and begins the steep descent through the forest of Lengas.
In about 20 minutes a stream coming from Lake Swimming crosses and 20 minutes longer reach a viewpoint from which you can see the blue river valley.

From there the descent is significantly more pronounced and walk through different types of forest, in about 45 minutes more, at the end of the steep descent reach a wide road which is the normal access to Refugio del Cajon del Azul, there is you must turn left. After 15 minutes the road meets the blue river and left turns into a narrow path, there is a sustained rise of 20 minutes, the river is crossed by a wooden bridge on the drawer and ten minutes after crossing a little pampas and some orchards, we reach the refuge.

Elevation gain: 1400 meters
Degree of difficulty: Difficult
Before performing this circuit is recommended to register and learn at the shelter.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
• In summer, leaving from the Blue Ice before 14 hours to reach him light to complete the journey without difficulty.
• Carry water from the main streams, Teno and Drainage Lake Swimming.
• always walk on the marked with red and yellow markings trails.
• If losing marks, return to the last mark to remember and look for signs on trees to continue in the right direction.
• Do not light fires or camp outside the places authorized for this purpose. ACCESS TO THE SUMMITS OF ICE BLUE AND BLACK BARDA.

ICE BLUE.
This summit is 2250 meters above sea level.

From the summit of Blue Ice can see the Chilean volcanoes Osorno and Pointed, the Tronador and many other mountains of the mountain range and the valley of El Bolson.

It has two busiest accesses, the shortest is going on the glacier, this option being a technical tour because you have to be equipped to travel on the glacier, and have knowledge of mountain climbing.

And normal is a long walk without technical rather than good sense of direction difficulties and some experience in mountain hikes, the first part of the tour is done by going to the refuge of Lake Swimming, and from there the forest is left westbound climbing on an edge that we must follow to reach the summit. This access is not signposted, so it is recommended to do it having some mountain experience.

BLACK BARDA.
This summit is 2150 meters above sea level, is part of the Blue Ice massif and is located south of the glacier.
The normal way and requires no technical equipment passages. It is a walk that is not marked, but with good judgment and common sense, you can access a beautiful hilltop with breathtaking views of the river valley Raquel, Glacier, Chilean volcanoes and many other Andean peaks.

If you believe your ability allows you to access, inquire at the shelter. PATH OF ACCESS TO SHELTER "ICE BLUE"
The historic public access to the mountain refuge begins at the Blue Ice camping Hue Nain, located on the east bank of the Blue River, which is accessed by the coastal road of the Blue River. This access used until the end of February 2006 was arbitrarily closed to the public by the settler Criado.

In this situation the municipal secretary of tourism enabled a new access that adds a walking time to reach the suspension bridge which crossed the Blue River, where the bite of access to shelter starts.

The new temporary access begins in a neighborhood alley, located on the coastal road of the Blue River, Blue River past the candy store, on the left. Admission is signaled by a municipal sign that says access Refugio Hielo Azul.

At 5 minutes to walk the path, the Azul river currency and two runways, one of cement and a more precarious by his side not to cross appear, continue along the river upstream for about 45 minutes following the marks red and yellow are painted in round badges.

Upon reaching the gateway, this is easily recognizable because it is the only one in the place, besides having a poster with recommendations for hikers climbing the Ice Blue.

Once the bridge (suspension bridge) crosses the path goes to the left and then upwards, is well signposted so you should find .The yellow and red markings and red and white cows make side trails throughout the forest , so you must walk attentive to the marks on the trees.

The first steep climb lasts about 15 to 20 minutes until you reach a green pampa, without many trees where you have to open a wooden gate and you will see on your left a round pen for keeping livestock. It is asked to leave the gates closed because they serve containment for livestock. Markings on the pampita are at stakes that are nailed on the grass. The trail will take slightly to the right, crossing a stream and enter back into the forest.

The climb is steep at 1.30 pm., Through different types of forest and crossing only one arroyito more. At the height of the "Mirador del Mallin Ahogado"

The climb becomes gentler for 30 minutes to reach the "Mallin de los Palos" a swamp that must be crossed walking on a number of sticks that were placed for this purpose.

Once crossed the mallín the climb is steep and goes to the right, in about 35 minutes you reach the "Mirador Raquel River Valley" from that point the forest will only Lenga (Nothofagus Pumillio).

After viewpoint there are two steep but short climbs and the rest of the way will be noticeably more pleasant for walkers. At 40 minutes from the Mirador del Raquel, you reach the edge of the stream "Teno" born of melting glacier "Ice Blue", whose southern shore is the refuge.

At that point you are approximately three kilometers refuge, about 45 minutes. The road has no major climbs, is mostly flat, and ten minutes before reaching the refuge the turnoff to Lake Swimming, to the right, marked by a signpost is.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
• Up early.
• Carry water from the Azul river.
• Follow the red and yellow marks.
• Do not make fire or camp along the way.
• Do not throw paper or waste.
• Wear insulating and sleeping bag, camping both to spend the night in the shelter.
• Respect departure times.
• If it is your first experience on the mountain, not climb alone.

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